Interior Design of the Past, Present, and Future

In the 1990s, items were valued for self-identity and how someone expresses themselves rather than the use. With the popularization of the internet, people can access the world at the click of a mouse. Posters were hung up in teens' rooms with thumbtacks and their rooms painted bright colors . Perhaps they even owned their own Mac desktop, which came in several colors. Forming your own identity was more prevalent than ever before, but the 1960s is where the ball started rolling. During the '60s, civil rights were enacted in many countries, especially America, and the freedom of self was being fought for. People had the ability to express themselves and their interests without fear of other people and their

Midcentury sunken living room

judgement. It took quite some time to get where we are today, but the 1960s was the decade to start it all. Curvilinear objects, or "blobjects" were created and architecture became more distorted. Artists began to express their ideas of form rather than function. Why should we need to paint a realistic piece when we could paint from the heart? A realistic painting or a traditional home spoke more about the functionality of daily living and expression, where there was miniscule identity. Artists and designers are especially important in each revolutionary era as their abilities to encapsulate the ideas of the people were necessary. How would we know our history without paintings, writings, photos or music?

The 1990s took a lot from decades prior, but came up with their own ideas as well. As stated earlier, we had access to the entire world behind a monitor and had more freedom than ever before to express ourselves. Along with this invention, people were also highly aware of the effects of war, pollution, and tragedies because everyone had an instant ability to discover current events. Not only that, but now that people can talk to others from around the world and share experiences, people began to humanize other nations of people which may have been nothing other than "the enemy." Social liberation made way to alternative living styles like RVs and buses, with affordable housing still being more expensive. Affordable shopping centers, such as Walmart, K-mart, and Target were selling home goods which people could use to decorate their home. Green roofs, and sustainable architecture were becoming popularized, and all of these factors are more prevalent today than the '90s.

Although interior design is subjective, to each their own, the importance of sight, touch, and sound needed to navigate an environment is always important. When the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was signed by George Bush, now designing for the disabled was not a courtesy, it was law. Interior design is more than just functionality, but it needs to be a universal user-friendly experience, and not just for the few who can access it. People also have a natural requirement for prospect and refuge, a place to shelter from the elements yet still freely access the outside world either through windows, patios, or means of egress. The human experience will vary from place to place, and people should be able to enjoy the freedom of expression wherever they go, but at no expense to anyone.

In much more recent times, the internet is highly accessible by everyone around the world and trends are popping up left and right. Consumerism is running wild alongside individuality and freedom of self. Although consumerism itself isn't a bad thing, people are becoming more aware and taking precautions towards their homes or donating furnishings that they don't use any longer. Spaces don't need to be traditional. People are opting out of a dining space since most of us eat in the living room anyway, and alter that into a workstation. Post-COVID has pretty much ramped up the need for a home office, and multi-functional spaces are extremely important. People are getting smarter with their spending, design, ideas of function and form, and are sharing these ideas every day to the world. I can't tell you how many amazing short videos I have seen online from someone who has turned old furniture into a beautiful piece that could sell for thousands. Even though COVID shouldn't take all the credit, people had so much time on their hands that innovation was bound to happen I suppose.

DIY IKEA furniture

Personally, I love seeing the individualism in design, whether it's a brightly decorated home or a grand museum. I hope that everyone can experience design in their own way, and affordable design can be accessed by everyone, not just the rich any longer. I can't wait to open up my phone and come across beautiful DIY thrift store projects or custom design that speaks louder than words. Humans never cease to amaze, and sharing experience of beauty through interior design is something I look forward to.